Fujinoki Tomb Treasures, Ikaruga, Nara, Japan

Above: The Fujinoki tomb. Right: The stone chamber with passageway. Inside was a house-shaped stone coffin(like the one found in Mitoshiro Kofun tomb in Hiroshima - see photo insert far right). Left: The Fujinoki tomb coffin was painted vermilion red. At the front of the chamber were large numbers of Haji and Sue pottery. Horse-trappings and warrior effects were deposited behind the coffin.

Photo on the left: Excavated gilt bronze crown. Photo on the right: What the crown would have looked like when new.

Below: sampling of the two pairs of gilt bronze shoes, restored. See also the reconstructed replica of shoes, with dangling fish pendant detail.

A large quantity of jewelery - including 10,000 pcs of glass beads - was found in the coffin along with the remains of two persons, thought to be male. The beautiful assortment of glass, metal and gilt bronze beads and pendant necklaces that were recovered, along with the gold crown and shoes, indicate persons of high, possibly of kingly status.

The presence of a sword indicates the interment of a male and the warrior culture. Photo on the right is a reconstructed replica. (Kashihara Koukogaku Kenkyusho (Archaeological Institute))

Some of the artefacts such as the gilt crown, shoes and earrings, as well as the horse trappings suggest Korean connections or origins.

Right: Horse saddle bow

Below closeup of details - floral - elephant - phoenix - phoenix (left -right) motifs found on the saddle and harness pendants.

1,000 slats of iron were found. Above: Sampling of iron armour slats;

Left: Saddle straps;

Right: Half cylindrical leg guard

For more details about the Fujinoki Tomb or a listing of the artefacts found within, go to this webpage: http://heritageofjapan.wordpress.com/following-the-trail-of-tumuli/types-of-tumuli-and-haniwa-cylinders/what-sort-of-tomb-treasures-lie-within-the-ancient-burial-mounds/fujinoki-tomb-horses-harness-splendid-glass-stones-and-other-tomb-treasures-hint-of-korean-connections/

Photos: Fujinoki Tumulus